Azadeh M. Fiber Optics Engineering

Springer, 2009. - 379 pagesThis book presents an overview of fiber optics from a practical, engineering perspective. As a result, practicing professionals and engineers, with a general background in physics, electrical engineering, communication, and hardware should find this book a useful reference that provides a summary of the main topics in fiber optics. Moreover, this book should be a useful resource for students whose field of study is somehow related to the broad areas of optics, optical engineering, optoelectronics, and photonics.The first three chapters act as a foundation and a general background for the rest of the book. Chapter 1 covers basic physical concepts such as the nature of light, electromagnetic spectrum, and a brief overview of fiber optics. Chapter 2 provides an overview of important networking concepts and the role of fiber optics within the telecommunication infrastructure. Chapter 3 provides an introduction to fiber optics from a signal viewpoint. This includes some basic mathematical background, as well as characterization of physical signals in the electrical and optical domains.Chapters 4–7 cover the main elements of a fiber optic link in more depth. Chapter 4 is dedicated to diode lasers which are the standard source in fiber optics. Chapter 5 deals with propagation of optical signals in fibers and signal degradation effects. PIN and APD detectors that convert photons back to electrons are the topic of Chapter
6. Thus, these three chapters deal with generation, propagation, and detection of optical signals. Chapter 7, on the other hand, deals with light coupling and passive components. Therefore, Chapter 7 examines ways of transferring optical signals between elements that generate, detect, and transport the optical signals.The next two chapters, Chapters 8 and 9, essentially deal with electronic circuits that interface with diode lasers and optical detectors. In particular, Chapter 8 examines optical transmitter circuits and various electronic designs used in driving highspeed optical sources. Chapter 9 examines the main blocks in an optical receiver circuit as well as ways of characterizing the performance of a receiver. A feature of this book is that in addition to traditional CW transceivers, burst mode transmitter and receiver circuits, increasingly used in PON applications, are also discussed.The final three chapters of the book cover areas that have to do with fiber optics as a viable industry. Chapter 10 presents an overview of reliability issues for optoelectronic devices and modules. A viable fiber optic system is expected to operate outside the laboratory and under real operating conditions for many years, and this requires paying attention to factors outside pure optics or electronics. Chapter 11 examines topics related to test and measurement. In an engineering environment, it is crucial not only to have a firm grasp on theoretical issues and design concepts, but also to design and conduct tests, measure signals, and use test instruments effectively. Finally, Chapter 12 presents a brief treatment of fiber optic related standards. Standards play a crucial rule in all industries, and fiber optics is no exception. Indeed, it is oftentimes adherence to standards that enables a device or system to go beyond a laboratory demonstration and fulfill a well-defined role in the jigsaw of a complex industry such as fiber optics.